BERLIN, Germany, August 31, 2011 – The Ford Evos Concept, to be revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, previews a new global design language for the next generation of Ford cars, MAVs and CUVs. (8/30/2011) (Wieck)

Cadillac recently unveiled the Ciel (the French translation for sky) concept — a four-seat grand-touring convertible. Its purpose, says Cadillac, is to create a new expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring. It’s Cadillac’s vision for a range-topping luxury flagship.

“Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac.

The Ciel is about a foot longer than Cadillac’s CTS sedan and rides on 22-inch wheels stretched on a 125-inch wheelbase. Wheel design features brushed nickel plating over milled billet aluminum.

Powering the huge wheels is a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology.

The doors are French-style, with the rear doors hinged at the rear – there is no B-pillar. Distinguishing fender lines run from nose to tail, and nickel-plated brightwork accents the body lines, enhancing, Cadillac says, the visual length of the car and honoring Cadillac touring cars of the past. A prominent, polished aluminum windshield frame serves as in important structural element of the vehicle, as well as aesthetic one, recalling classic open cars of the past.

The interior is accented with sweeping nickel-plated trim. It divides the body-color upper sections from a complementing beige lower color. Italian Olive wood, machined-aluminum and hand-tipped leather are elements that flow through the interior. Cadillac designers say the Ciel’s Cabernet paint color is inspired by the “rich translucence of a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight.”

Is the Ciel the type of flagship needed to elevate Cadillac’s image to the top of the premium-luxury-car segment?